Relying on history of service when disaster strikes

SERVPRO — the number one franchise brand in restoration in the U.S. according to Entrepreneur magazine — is celebrating 50 years in business. What started as a small family-owned business in 1967 has expanded into Canada and now boasts over 1,700 franchises in North America, with annual revenues of over $2 billion. At the heart of the SERVPRO franchise system’s impressive growth is a team of quality people focused on the needs of their franchisees and the consumers who call them when disaster strikes.

SERVPRO has a history of responding to large weather events. In 2012, we were the first responders to one of the most destructive hurricanes of any Atlantic hurricane season — Superstorm Sandy. The toll inflicted by this hurricane was superseded by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which caused catastrophic flooding primarily in Texas. We also responded to Hurricane Irma, which caused major flooding in north and south Florida. Our ability to mobilize during such events, along with our day-to-day capabilities, is part of our continuing success.

"I felt relieved to know the SERVPRO franchises in the U.S. were on standby with over a dozen semitrucks and literally hundreds of workers to assist in case backup was needed. I am honoured to be part of such a team-oriented company."

– Fred Edwards, owner of SERVPRO of Calgary South and Edmonton Southside

With an eye to international expansion, we have established a strong foundation in Canada. In 2016, a SERVPRO franchise became a first responder to the Fort McMurray fires in Alberta, one of the largest fire disasters in the history of North America. Fred Edwards, owner of SERVPRO of Calgary South and Edmonton Southside, said: "SERVPRO was a first responder in charge of disinfecting and sanitizing the barracks of the local RCMP detachment. Within two weeks of the onset of fires, the SERVPRO system had mobilized over 400 people on the ground… I felt relieved to know the SERVPRO franchises in the U.S. were on standby with over a dozen semi-trucks and literally hundreds of workers to assist in case backup was needed. I am honoured to be part of such a team-oriented company."

In 2017, SERVPRO responded to flooding in Windsor and Ottawa. Seven different franchisees banded together to support the restoration efforts in these two cities: the SERVPRO franchisees of Agincourt, of Barrie, of Guelph, of Milton and North Oakville, of New Toronto, of Timmins and of West Central London. Khaled Amar, the owner of SERVPRO of West Central London, expressed his appreciation for the wealth of knowledge and resources from SERVPRO’s corporate staff and specifically the franchise business consultants when he managed the onset of flooding in August 2017 — exactly one day after his SERVPRO business opened its doors. He and his partner, Habib Ebad, were able to manage the massive residential and commercial demand as a result of this support and teamwork.

SERVPRO is committed to attracting exceptional people who want to be part of a team focused on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.

SERVPRO is excited about future expansion in Canada. The brand will continue to grow as it attracts quality teammates in key markets across the country. The future is bright as SERVPRO promotes an aggressive growth strategy in Canada in the next five to 10 years. The company is committed to attracting exceptional people who want to be part of a team focused on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.